Showing posts with label OB. Show all posts
Showing posts with label OB. Show all posts
Monday, August 24, 2009
Baby, why aren't you growing?
I went for my weekly appointment this afternoon. I gained 2lbs since last week, had no contractions to report and have not dilated any further, all good. The catch is that after having 32 weeks of the baby's growth being right on target she's suddenly "a little small." The doctor ordered an ultrasound for tomorrow afternoon to get a weight and make sure there isn't anything dangerous restricting growth all the sudden. Her heart rate is still good, but if she quite literally ran out of room to grow it could be a big problem for us both. I know that kind of thing happens to dwarf mothers sometimes and I'm only an inch or two taller than that. It may be nothing, but if there is anything limiting growth at this critical stage or the slow down in growth is a danger to either of us she'll have to come out. Fingers crossed. Again, every time I comfort myself with something (ex: at least I'm not on bed rest, at least I haven't dilated or at least the baby's growing right on target) it happens. I'll update you guys after my appointment. By the way, tomorrow is 33 weeks, another reason to hope for good news.
Monday, August 17, 2009
My Weekly Appointment
I went to the doctor this morning. She said "alright you made it through the weekend without having a baby, good job." We talked about the handful of contractions I'd experienced since I saw her, the cramping and pressure. Nothing too terrible. I asked if I was still going to be released from bed rest at 34wks if there were no major incidents and she said yes. Then I asked if I could go off the meds at that point and she said not until 36wks. Pretty exciting since I'll be 32wks tomorrow which means 2 weeks until bed rest is over (fingers crossed) and 4 weeks until no more anti-contraction meds. Woo-hoo. Baby is still growing right on target and has a nice strong heart beat. Even the lady at the front desk said "look at you, still pregnant." I think it's funny how excited they are for me to have made it couple more days, believe me I am too.
Thursday, August 13, 2009
What The Doctor Said
I went for my appt at 9am. In general I seem to have a firm grip on what the reality of the situation is until it's time to go to the doctor at which point I have denial and memory loss. I knew the weekend of horrible pressure was a bad sign, even if my water hadn't broken, but I was feeling so much better since Sunday. I've been told since the beginning I was "high risk for preterm labor." I've been on bedrest for over a month with contractions even on the meds and the baby's head down and low since my last appt. So, what did I expect? I don't know, honestly. Maybe just that it was better than I thought or in a fantasy world that everything was great.
Well, after checking me out my OB said I've had "significant cervical changes" and she wants to see me once a week from now on. So, I pretty much went straight from once a month appointments to once a week. I never get to do anything the normal way. She says she can feel the baby's head and between the two I'll never make it to 39weeks. Unfortunately, she simply can't schedule a c-section any earlier than 39 weeks so as a formality it's set for Thursday October 8th. This means there’s almost no shot at a nice calm scheduled c-section. They have to wait for me to go into labor first. Sigh. I wonder why this little girl is in such a hurry. You have to be careful how you reassure yourself because it makes things that were comforting seem far worse than they really are when they happen. For example,” at least I haven't dilated” was a big comfort and then I did. It's really not so bad. At least I'm still home and not riding it out in the hospital. I was so hoping I'd get through August, but the doctor didn't seem optimistic about that at all.
On the plus side I do not have gestational diabetes.
Well, after checking me out my OB said I've had "significant cervical changes" and she wants to see me once a week from now on. So, I pretty much went straight from once a month appointments to once a week. I never get to do anything the normal way. She says she can feel the baby's head and between the two I'll never make it to 39weeks. Unfortunately, she simply can't schedule a c-section any earlier than 39 weeks so as a formality it's set for Thursday October 8th. This means there’s almost no shot at a nice calm scheduled c-section. They have to wait for me to go into labor first. Sigh. I wonder why this little girl is in such a hurry. You have to be careful how you reassure yourself because it makes things that were comforting seem far worse than they really are when they happen. For example,” at least I haven't dilated” was a big comfort and then I did. It's really not so bad. At least I'm still home and not riding it out in the hospital. I was so hoping I'd get through August, but the doctor didn't seem optimistic about that at all.
On the plus side I do not have gestational diabetes.
Sunday, August 9, 2009
Back to the Hospital
So, I had kind of a rough weekend. Friday I went to breakfast with my mom and I started feeling alot of pressure. We rushed home and I got in bed with my feet up. The pressure was intense and I could feel the baby really low. I wasn't having contractions, but that may have been the meds. I checked in with the OB Friday evening and all through Saturday it seemed to be getting better. This morning I woke up feeling great, but soon I had reason to believe my water had broken. So, with a quick call to Mom who was out of townfor the weekend and one to my OB I was heading back to the hospital.
The nurses’ exact words were "well, it sounds like your water broke." As soon as we arrived I started having contractions. They weren't very close together, but painful none the less. After an hour wait and two trips to the bathroom I finally got examined. They did all the usual tests and the litmus test did not show any amniotic fluid. My OB was just down the hall so she stopped by and did her own exam. She was worried I had a bacterial infection, but told me as long as the fFN came back negative and the ultrasound showed good amniotic fluid levels I could go home. Everything came back ok, so I'm back home continuing bed rest and anticontraction medicine. I follow-up with the OB next week.
It was a LONG day after a LONG weekend. I was pleading with the baby not to come in August. Even when it seemed clear I wasn't in labor there was still a chance I'd get admitted. I really, really hope I don't have to go there until at least September. So, I had to get a Big Mac value meal and Oreo McFlurry on the way home and now everything is a little better.
The nurses’ exact words were "well, it sounds like your water broke." As soon as we arrived I started having contractions. They weren't very close together, but painful none the less. After an hour wait and two trips to the bathroom I finally got examined. They did all the usual tests and the litmus test did not show any amniotic fluid. My OB was just down the hall so she stopped by and did her own exam. She was worried I had a bacterial infection, but told me as long as the fFN came back negative and the ultrasound showed good amniotic fluid levels I could go home. Everything came back ok, so I'm back home continuing bed rest and anticontraction medicine. I follow-up with the OB next week.
It was a LONG day after a LONG weekend. I was pleading with the baby not to come in August. Even when it seemed clear I wasn't in labor there was still a chance I'd get admitted. I really, really hope I don't have to go there until at least September. So, I had to get a Big Mac value meal and Oreo McFlurry on the way home and now everything is a little better.
Monday, July 27, 2009
29 Week Appointment
So, I had to fast after midnight last night. That's right 7 months pregnant and no breakfast. I had 5 minutes to drink a large cup of what tasted like very flat orange soda and then in an hour later they would draw my blood to see if my body was breaking down sugar correctly. Yippee!
Most of the hour was taken up by my exam. We discussed the contractions I'd had while on the anti-contractions meds. The OB double checked my cervix and told me the baby's head was really low. I guess she's already assuming the position. My meds stay the same which is a bummer, but I was most afraid of an increased dose. Also, bed rest continues at least until 34wks (that's 5wks from now), but there is a good chance I'll stay on it until I deliver. She did give me the okay for short trips out of the house under very specific circumstances so that's something.
Today was also the day for signing the consent for my tubal ligation. Apparently they're required to try and talk you out of it if you’re under 30 especially if this is your first baby. 25-28yr olds have a high rate of tubal regret. However, I'd done my research and considered my options so I listened to her speech and signed the form with no hesitation. It's a real relief to have that done. The other thing I was hoping would happen was that I'd get my c-section date, but that we have to wait 2 weeks. So, there's that to look forward to.
After the exam I had 30min to kill before they could draw my blood to complete the gestational diabetes test. I was incredibly nauseous at that point and worried I was going to loose it in the last 5min and have to repeat the test. I made it though, just barely. After the blood draw I was too dizzy to stand and the hot nauseous feeling over took me. I guess that's why they say not to give blood on an empty stomach. I thought ahead enough to bring snacks for as soon as the test was over so I popped some crackers and breathed a sigh of relief. It'll be two weeks until I hear the results.
Most of the hour was taken up by my exam. We discussed the contractions I'd had while on the anti-contractions meds. The OB double checked my cervix and told me the baby's head was really low. I guess she's already assuming the position. My meds stay the same which is a bummer, but I was most afraid of an increased dose. Also, bed rest continues at least until 34wks (that's 5wks from now), but there is a good chance I'll stay on it until I deliver. She did give me the okay for short trips out of the house under very specific circumstances so that's something.
Today was also the day for signing the consent for my tubal ligation. Apparently they're required to try and talk you out of it if you’re under 30 especially if this is your first baby. 25-28yr olds have a high rate of tubal regret. However, I'd done my research and considered my options so I listened to her speech and signed the form with no hesitation. It's a real relief to have that done. The other thing I was hoping would happen was that I'd get my c-section date, but that we have to wait 2 weeks. So, there's that to look forward to.
After the exam I had 30min to kill before they could draw my blood to complete the gestational diabetes test. I was incredibly nauseous at that point and worried I was going to loose it in the last 5min and have to repeat the test. I made it though, just barely. After the blood draw I was too dizzy to stand and the hot nauseous feeling over took me. I guess that's why they say not to give blood on an empty stomach. I thought ahead enough to bring snacks for as soon as the test was over so I popped some crackers and breathed a sigh of relief. It'll be two weeks until I hear the results.
Monday, July 13, 2009
The Follow Up Appointment
Today was the day I went back to the doctor. Looking at my notes it was pretty amazing 20mins apart, then 10mins apart and then 6min apart before they stopped them. It makes me shutter to think what could have happened.
First, the doctor did a fetal fibronectin test (fFN) which is a test that looks for a protein women produce before going into labor. Here's what the March of Dimes has to say about it: "Fetal fibronectin (fFN) is a protein produced during pregnancy and functions as biological glue, attaching the fetal sac to the uterine lining. During the first trimester and for about half of the second trimester (up to 22 weeks of gestation), fFN is normally present in the cervico-vaginal secretions of pregnant women. In most pregnancies, after 22 weeks, this protein is no longer detected until the end of the last trimester (one to three weeks before labor).
The presence of fFN during weeks 24-34 of a high-risk pregnancy, along with symptoms of labor, suggests that the "glue" may be disintegrating ahead of schedule and alerts doctors to a possibility of preterm delivery."
She also checked my cervix which is thankfully still closed. She says to keep taking the Procardia every 8hrs and stay on the strict bedrest until the results are in from the test. If it's positive they'll up my dose to every 6hrs and keep me on strict bedrest. If it's negative they'll leave the dose the same and "let up a little" on my restrictions.
Ok, I know it's silly, but I left there in tears. I think I was in denial that any of this had happened/was happening. I know I didn't rationally believe she was going to say it was all a huge mistake and to go about my business as usual, but it all feels too real. I knew bedrest was in my future, but I thought I at least had another month. So, this is it for the rest of my pregnancy I stay in bed. Whatever I didn't do before now won't happen. I know I should be happy the baby's healthy, but it's hell not to trust your body to do what it's supposed to.
Michael and I started talking about the long term for the first time today. He has work to do and needs to start working full time outside the house and I need someone to bring me food and make sure the dishes and clothes get washed and Isaac is ok. It's an impossible situation just now and we can't afford for him to stop working or for me to ignore doctor's orders. I've put in a few calls and I'm hoping my mom will be down shortly to help. In the meantime (or if that doesn't happen) we'll do our best. I'm so grateful for the help and visitors I've had so far you have no idea what it means to me! Thank you.
First, the doctor did a fetal fibronectin test (fFN) which is a test that looks for a protein women produce before going into labor. Here's what the March of Dimes has to say about it: "Fetal fibronectin (fFN) is a protein produced during pregnancy and functions as biological glue, attaching the fetal sac to the uterine lining. During the first trimester and for about half of the second trimester (up to 22 weeks of gestation), fFN is normally present in the cervico-vaginal secretions of pregnant women. In most pregnancies, after 22 weeks, this protein is no longer detected until the end of the last trimester (one to three weeks before labor).
The presence of fFN during weeks 24-34 of a high-risk pregnancy, along with symptoms of labor, suggests that the "glue" may be disintegrating ahead of schedule and alerts doctors to a possibility of preterm delivery."
She also checked my cervix which is thankfully still closed. She says to keep taking the Procardia every 8hrs and stay on the strict bedrest until the results are in from the test. If it's positive they'll up my dose to every 6hrs and keep me on strict bedrest. If it's negative they'll leave the dose the same and "let up a little" on my restrictions.
Ok, I know it's silly, but I left there in tears. I think I was in denial that any of this had happened/was happening. I know I didn't rationally believe she was going to say it was all a huge mistake and to go about my business as usual, but it all feels too real. I knew bedrest was in my future, but I thought I at least had another month. So, this is it for the rest of my pregnancy I stay in bed. Whatever I didn't do before now won't happen. I know I should be happy the baby's healthy, but it's hell not to trust your body to do what it's supposed to.
Michael and I started talking about the long term for the first time today. He has work to do and needs to start working full time outside the house and I need someone to bring me food and make sure the dishes and clothes get washed and Isaac is ok. It's an impossible situation just now and we can't afford for him to stop working or for me to ignore doctor's orders. I've put in a few calls and I'm hoping my mom will be down shortly to help. In the meantime (or if that doesn't happen) we'll do our best. I'm so grateful for the help and visitors I've had so far you have no idea what it means to me! Thank you.
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Too Many Contractions-Part Two
After almost four hours of sleep we went to my ultrasound appointment to check my left leg for a blood clot. I was feeling shaky and nauseous from the injection and very tired, but at least the contractions had stopped. I went to the hospital with the boys and the ultrasound came back clean, but by the time it was over I was having contractions! My OB is next door to the hospital so we went straight over. I explained what had happened the night before and that I was now having contractions about 10mins apart again. Now I'll tell ya when you're 27wks pregnant and you tell someone you're having contractions they look at you like "sure you are..." So, they hooked me up to a monitor for 20mins. I proceeded to have about 5-6 contractions in 20min (only hours after having the terbutaline injection). They gave me a prescription for precardia pills to stop the contractions and the nurse said "The boys are on their own. Bedrest, bathroom only. Come back Monday."
We went straight to the pharmacy, where the contraction continued, to get my pills. I'm supposed to take them every 8 hours and the nurse assures me they're nothing like the terbutaline. I continued having contractions after taking the first dose, but they slowed a lot. First 20mins apart, then 30 and eventually an hour.
You really never realize how LONG a minute is until you have a contraction. I never did dilate (thank God) and now the goal is to keep that from happening. My mother delivered me at 30wks and I'm really hoping to beat that. I think with bursitis and the swelling I was having the physical pain and severe levels of stress around here did it. I'm hoping the pills, which do make me feel pretty yucky, but nothing like the other stuff, do their thing and everything looks good Monday. Who knows... We are still swapping rooms Saturday (well those who are able) and worst case scenario I'll sit very still in the recliner for my shower next Sat. I am worried about Michael getting everything that needs doing around the house done on top of his work and have pleaded with him to ask for help when he needs it, so some of you may get phone calls.
We went straight to the pharmacy, where the contraction continued, to get my pills. I'm supposed to take them every 8 hours and the nurse assures me they're nothing like the terbutaline. I continued having contractions after taking the first dose, but they slowed a lot. First 20mins apart, then 30 and eventually an hour.
You really never realize how LONG a minute is until you have a contraction. I never did dilate (thank God) and now the goal is to keep that from happening. My mother delivered me at 30wks and I'm really hoping to beat that. I think with bursitis and the swelling I was having the physical pain and severe levels of stress around here did it. I'm hoping the pills, which do make me feel pretty yucky, but nothing like the other stuff, do their thing and everything looks good Monday. Who knows... We are still swapping rooms Saturday (well those who are able) and worst case scenario I'll sit very still in the recliner for my shower next Sat. I am worried about Michael getting everything that needs doing around the house done on top of his work and have pleaded with him to ask for help when he needs it, so some of you may get phone calls.
Monday, July 6, 2009
Last OB Appt of the Second Trimester
So, amazingly I'm 7months pregnant and days away from the third trimester. The good news today was that I'm released from pelvic rest, baby's heart beat is strong (150) and my uterus is right where it's supposed to be (24-25"). I reported the "weird" feeling and dizziness recently and was told that blood pressure fluctuations are very common at this stage in the game. Even the phantom "bugs" I've been seeing on and off for a month are actually a symptom of the blood pressure issue. The doctor's advice was "sit down before you fall down." I think that applies to me whether I’m pregnant or not.
I asked about banking blood for the baby and was answered with a shrug. I'll call Red Cross this month and find out. Michael is a universal donor and I'm very concerned about the baby being premature and needing transfusions. My sister had two transfusions as a baby and ended up with liver disease. I know they screen the blood better than they did in the 80's but I think we'll all feel better if the blood comes from family. The other issue related to that is delayed cord clamping. I read if they wait until the cord stops pulsing to clamp it the baby gets a last push of that healthy, steam cell enriched placental blood and they do much better. Which sounds alot more reasonable than $2,000 to store the cord blood in a lab. Well, the doctor says you can't have a delayed cord clamp with a c-section because you're bleeding too much, bummer.
The other fun development since my last appointment is that the bursitis came back and as soon as that calmed down my left hip and knee started swelling alot. Not hands and feet like most pregnant women just my left hip and knee. Well, I expected the doctor to tell me to restrict my movement and keep icing it, but she ordered an ultrasound of my leg to rule out a blood clot. I'm not really worried about that, but I am hoping they'll get a good look and then give me something for pain. I have to go for that Wednesday morning. I'll keep everyone posted.
The other big thing today was that we scheduled the rest of my appts until the due date. My next appt will be in 3 weeks and after that I'll be going there every 2 weeks until the baby comes. At my next appt (July 28th) I have to do my one hour glucose test to make sure I don't have gestational diabetes. I'm not worried about G.D., but I have to be NPO after midnight the night before and the test itself takes an hour. That's an awful long time to keep a pregnant lady from eating. Sigh. Also, we did not confirm the c-section date or sign the consent form for the tubal ligation yet, but we will do those over my next 2 appointments. The end is in sight!
I asked about banking blood for the baby and was answered with a shrug. I'll call Red Cross this month and find out. Michael is a universal donor and I'm very concerned about the baby being premature and needing transfusions. My sister had two transfusions as a baby and ended up with liver disease. I know they screen the blood better than they did in the 80's but I think we'll all feel better if the blood comes from family. The other issue related to that is delayed cord clamping. I read if they wait until the cord stops pulsing to clamp it the baby gets a last push of that healthy, steam cell enriched placental blood and they do much better. Which sounds alot more reasonable than $2,000 to store the cord blood in a lab. Well, the doctor says you can't have a delayed cord clamp with a c-section because you're bleeding too much, bummer.
The other fun development since my last appointment is that the bursitis came back and as soon as that calmed down my left hip and knee started swelling alot. Not hands and feet like most pregnant women just my left hip and knee. Well, I expected the doctor to tell me to restrict my movement and keep icing it, but she ordered an ultrasound of my leg to rule out a blood clot. I'm not really worried about that, but I am hoping they'll get a good look and then give me something for pain. I have to go for that Wednesday morning. I'll keep everyone posted.
The other big thing today was that we scheduled the rest of my appts until the due date. My next appt will be in 3 weeks and after that I'll be going there every 2 weeks until the baby comes. At my next appt (July 28th) I have to do my one hour glucose test to make sure I don't have gestational diabetes. I'm not worried about G.D., but I have to be NPO after midnight the night before and the test itself takes an hour. That's an awful long time to keep a pregnant lady from eating. Sigh. Also, we did not confirm the c-section date or sign the consent form for the tubal ligation yet, but we will do those over my next 2 appointments. The end is in sight!
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
The Timeline So Far
*My Last Period: January 7th
*My 27th Birthday: February 8th
*Positive Home Pregnancy Test: February 13th at 4:30pm
*Doctor Confirmed Positive Pregnancy Test: February 17th
*First Trip to the Emergency Room (dehydration because of morning sickness)/First Time We Saw the Baby on Ultrasound & Heard Heartbeat (160): March 6th
*First Prenatal Appointment: March 9th at 1:30
*Fired (thank you morning sickness) From My Job: March 12th
*First Prenatal Appointment With New DR: March 17th (baby's heart rate is still 160)
*First Maternity Yoga Class: March 17th
*Second Trimester!!/Big Pregnancy Announcing Day: March 31st
*Second Prenatal Visit w/the New DR: April 14th (baby's heartrate 153)
*First time I Felt the Baby Move: May 1st- I realized that I had been feeling the baby move all weekend on May 3rd
*Prenatal Visit: May 12th (baby's heart rate is 140)
*Ultrasound: May 21st (baby's heart rate 143)
*HALFWAY POINT: May 26th
*Finished Making the Baby Shower Invitations: June 1st
*Prenatal Visit: June 8th (baby's heart rate 145)
*Went to Labor and Delivery and released on "pelvic rest":June 14th
*Follow Up w/Dr: June 15th (baby's heart rate 143)
*My 27th Birthday: February 8th
*Positive Home Pregnancy Test: February 13th at 4:30pm
*Doctor Confirmed Positive Pregnancy Test: February 17th
*First Trip to the Emergency Room (dehydration because of morning sickness)/First Time We Saw the Baby on Ultrasound & Heard Heartbeat (160): March 6th
*First Prenatal Appointment: March 9th at 1:30
*Fired (thank you morning sickness) From My Job: March 12th
*First Prenatal Appointment With New DR: March 17th (baby's heart rate is still 160)
*First Maternity Yoga Class: March 17th
*Second Trimester!!/Big Pregnancy Announcing Day: March 31st
*Second Prenatal Visit w/the New DR: April 14th (baby's heartrate 153)
*First time I Felt the Baby Move: May 1st- I realized that I had been feeling the baby move all weekend on May 3rd
*Prenatal Visit: May 12th (baby's heart rate is 140)
*Ultrasound: May 21st (baby's heart rate 143)
*HALFWAY POINT: May 26th
*Finished Making the Baby Shower Invitations: June 1st
*Prenatal Visit: June 8th (baby's heart rate 145)
*Went to Labor and Delivery and released on "pelvic rest":June 14th
*Follow Up w/Dr: June 15th (baby's heart rate 143)
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